tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917Sun, 05 Oct 2014 05:03:49 +0000in the kitchensewingkidsquiltingDear Baby Janeholidayscraftquilt-a-longgiftsmenu planningswapcookiesorganizationTackle it Tuesdaycleaningcookie carnivalcrochetinspirationCountry LivingFriday BakingThankful Thursdayblogschristmasembroideryfamilyin the gardenmememiscellaneousmy listreadingsummer of mevacationSimple Snow StitchesSnowflakes are kisses from Heaven!!http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)Blogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-4192750055061411506Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:18:00 +00002009-07-13T09:36:59.316-05:00kidsBack to School Time<div align="center"><a title="pencils by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3716266125/"><img alt="pencils" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3716266125_d9fde2797d_o.jpg" width="206" height="289" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Picture from </em><a href="http://organizedhome.com/"><em>Organized Home</em></a></div><br /><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">Call me crazy, but I started and completed the boys' back to school supply shopping on Sunday. Why? Are you Crazy? To be quite honest, YES! We are going on vacation in August the week before school starts. We arrive home on Sunday, meet the teacher on Monday and start school on Tuesday. I won't have time once August arrives to get that oh so necessary supply shopping done. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">At the end of the year, the school sent home a flier for a Supply Kit. Hmmm, I almost bought it for the nice little price of $34.00 (which included shipping and handling) and that only would have been for M. Then I thought about it, I can do better than that, I have to buy supplies for 2 this year. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I knew on Friday I would be doing my shopping on Sunday. I received my email ad from Staples with penny deals. I wrote out a combined list for both boys, checked my current supplies, then checked the other sales ads and got ready to go. My first stop was Target. They had colored pencils for $.50 a box, I needed 1 but bought 2 the second is a backup for later in the year. They also had pencils boxes for $.50, picked up 2 as that is what I needed. Next on the list was backpacks. I got a great deal, I picked up two $9 backpacks and received for free 2 $9.99 lunch bags. I picked up a few other things that were not school related but vacation related and checked out. </div><br /><div align="left"><br />I headed over to Staples, 3 pink erasers $1, a pkg of 8 pencils a penny with a limit of 2, scissors 2 pairs for $1, highlighters 6 per pkg $1 limit of 2, binders $.99 and then they had reams of copy paper buy them for $3.69 get a $3.68 rebate (makes them a penny each) with a limit of 2 and lastly a 60 pack of 4x6 photo paper for $8.99 with a $7.99 rebate (making it $1.00). They also had a coupon if you spend $20 you get $5 off. My total at Staples was $26.90 and I will be receiving $16.35 in rebates. Not to bad. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Next stop the dreaded Wal-Mart, but I finished up my shopping there and spent $17.56. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">All being said, with 2 backpacks and all of their supplies I spent $46.90, which means I spent $28.90 on supplies for 2 kids and have lots of extras, versus spending $34 on one kid and still having to go out and go shopping. And we have enough supplies to get us started for the school year and we will have extras for later in the year. Will I hit the stores after school starts for their clearance deals? Of course, because extra supplies make great teacher gifts or stocking stuffers or friend gifts for upcoming birthday parties we will be having. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Up next I will be seeking some clothes deals. But I've decided they only need a few outfits each to start the school year. We're good on clothes as well!!! </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Have you started your back to school shopping? </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"></div>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/07/back-to-school-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-7335144434094749369Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-07-10T07:00:01.707-05:00giftsquiltingWIPI haven't started anything new, I've been working on some old projects this week.<br /><br />How's it going? Quite well...<br /><br />1. John Deere Cushions for Lara - <span style="color:#ff0000;">DONE </span><span style="color:#000000;">- Sunday, July 5. Needs to be delivered the next time I make a trip home.</span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Lara cushions by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701431589/"><img alt="Lara cushions" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3701431589_379c13cd4e_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><p align="left">2. Pinwheel Baby Quilt for my newest niece - quilt top almost done, working on prairie points. </p><p align="center"><a title="Camille Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701431543/"><img alt="Camille Quilt" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3701431543_700eb732fd_o.jpg" width="336" height="448" /></a></p><p align="left">3. Ragged Squares Quilt x 2 - my mom asked me to make for someone that she works with, one for the new baby girl due any day and one for her big sister. Both need to be sandwiched, quilted and binded. This is Lucie's. </p><p align="center"><a title="Lucie Ragged Squares by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701431595/"><img alt="Lucie Ragged Squares" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3701431595_1dfcaa361b_o.jpg" width="336" height="448" /></a></p><p align="left">4. Black and White Sox Quilt - this one is for my husband and his love of the White Sox. I started it in July and at the beginning of the week only had 5 sets of 4 blocks done. There are a total of 12 sets of 4 blocks. Making the quilt have 48 blocks. Here's the layout....</p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"><a title="Sox Layout 2 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701454667/"><img alt="Sox Layout 2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3701454667_592fb1d7cf_o.jpg" width="336" height="448" /></a></p>and a somewhate closeup of the 12 different fabrics.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Sox Layout 3 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701454673/"><img alt="Sox Layout 3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/3701454673_1e6c2d7cb6_o.jpg" width="336" height="412" /></a></p><p align="left">Sorry for the fuzzy pictures, it's cloudy and rainy here on the day the pictures were taken.</p><p align="left">It doesn't look like much, but I feel good about getting a bit of work completed this week. There are still some WIP that I need to pull out and work on, but I think working on 3 projects at a time, a little bit each day is enough for me to handle. With a little persistence, I should have at least 3 of these done by next week!!! </p>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/07/wip.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-4450941992449414656Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-07-09T07:00:05.024-05:00in the kitchenIndependence Day<p align="center"><a title="Fourth Cookies by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701431585/"><img alt="Fourth Cookies" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3701431585_8b0e8866c6_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><p align="left">We attended a party on the 4th of July, I had not been feeling well for a few days and needed something quick to take with us. Not that these were quick, but they were fun and I made them festive. My original plans were to make all white sugar cookies and use blue and red sprinkles on them. I didn't have any blue sprinkles and neither did the grocery store (and I wasn't about to run all over town looking for some). I ended up having a lightbulb moment and thought, why couldn't I tint the cookies. So that's what I did, rolled them in sugar and baked! </p>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/07/independence-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-7249748314029100742Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:53:00 +00002009-07-08T15:00:54.518-05:00giftsquiltingStacked Coins Quilt<p align="left">My neighbor had a baby boy in May. A few of our other neighbors threw an impromptu baby shower for her, I had 2 days notice. I went, without a gift, BUT told her that I would like to make her a quilt. And here it is. </p><p align="center"><a title="Nathans Neptune Coin Stacks by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701431599/"><img alt="Nathans Neptune Coin Stacks" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3701431599_afafac98bd_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p> A glimpse of the back, with it's tag.<br /><p align="center"><a title="Nathans Neptune Coin Stacks 2 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701431609/"><img alt="Nathans Neptune Coin Stacks 2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3701431609_e283c7ff29_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p>All folded up....<br /><p align="center"><a title="Nathans Neptune Coin Stacks 3 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701454647/"><img alt="Nathans Neptune Coin Stacks 3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3701454647_b6cf3a8afe_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p>ready to be delivered....<br /><p align="center"><a title="Nathans Neptune Coin Stacks 4 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3701454655/"><img alt="Nathans Neptune Coin Stacks 4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3701454655_5985eaf056_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><p>I used 2 charm packs of Moda Neptune and unbleached muslin. For the back, I had a leftover piece of pre-quilted fabric from a bedspread another neighbor wanted me to make and I followed the quilted lines for my quilt. </p><p>The pattern used can be found at <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/">Moda Bake Shop</a>. The pattern is <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/02/stacked-coins-baby-quilt.html">Stacked Coins Baby Quilt</a>. <br /><br /></p>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/07/stacked-coins-quilt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-7847956245801772196Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-06-12T05:00:23.537-05:00quiltingswapThree by Three Swap - June Blocks<p align="left">Completed, packaged and mailed off Wednesday!!! </p><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three Swap YellowBlue by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613756011/"><img alt="Three by Three Swap YellowBlue" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3613756011_ab7694e5b1_o.jpg" width="253" height="257" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three Swap BlueYellow by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613750281/"><img alt="Three by Three Swap BlueYellow" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3613750281_a2fb6b1316_o.jpg" width="259" height="257" /></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three Swap WhiteStrip by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613756005/"><img alt="Three by Three Swap WhiteStrip" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3613756005_e5da519da9_o.jpg" width="283" height="274" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three Swap StripWhite by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613755997/"><img alt="Three by Three Swap StripWhite" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3613755997_5768333da3_o.jpg" width="265" height="265" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three Swap StripPink by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613755989/"><img alt="Three by Three Swap StripPink" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3613755989_265664867d_o.jpg" width="278" height="252" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three Swap PinkStrip by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613755987/"><img alt="Three by Three Swap PinkStrip" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3613755987_aa1b7b5f66_o.jpg" width="252" height="246" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three Swap PinkGreen by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613750313/"><img alt="Three by Three Swap PinkGreen" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3613750313_fce4c6e8e9_o.jpg" width="264" height="252" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three Swap GreenPink by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613750283/"><img alt="Three by Three Swap GreenPink" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3613750283_b28423502b_o.jpg" width="257" height="262" /></a></p><br />Sorry, my photo taking skills need improvement as well as my phot editing skills.http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/three-by-three-swap-june-blocks.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-816616688605585844Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-06-11T05:00:22.606-05:00Friday Bakingin the kitchenFriday Baking with NotQuiteJuneCleaver<p align="left">I was reading about <a href="http://notquitejunecleaver.com/friday-baking-with-notquitejunecleaver/"><span style="color:#ccccff;">NotQuiteJuneCleaver's Friday Baking</span> </a>and decided on Monday I was going to make the recipes. Shannon was going to a White Sox game and well, it was just me and the boys. We headed to the store to grab a few missing ingredients (3 to be exact) and came home to get started. </p><br /><p align="left">You can find the recipes <a href="http://notquitejunecleaver.com/2009/06/05/friday-baking-with-notquitejunecleaver-recipes-for-june-5-june-12/"><span style="color:#ccccff;">here</span></a>. First up, <a href="http://notquitejunecleaver.com/2009/06/05/friday-baking-with-notquitejunecleaver-recipes-for-june-5-june-12/">Quiche Susan</a>. I have made Quiche once, did not bake it long enough and the middle was not quite done and well, it was gross. This one however, was AWESOME! The boys helped themselves to seconds. </p><br /><p align="left">I used 1 cup orange cauliflower, 1 cup broccoli and 1 cup mushrooms (these were all in the refrigerator). Sauteed them in olive oil and butter, until they were crisp tender. </p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Quiche Susan Veggies by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3614562630/"><img alt="Quiche Susan Veggies" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3614562630_aa12bc0b5a_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><br /><div align="left">I used a store bought deep dish pie crust (I didn't have time to make one as when I decided to start it was already 4:30 and we had to run to the store for those missing ingredients). </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I used a mix of mozzarella, monterey, colby and parmesan for my cheeses. How yummy does this look right out of the oven????</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a title="Quiche Susan Oven by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3614562624/"><img alt="Quiche Susan Oven" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3614562624_5fb53e1766_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></div><br /><br />And let me just say (and the boys agreed) this tastes even better than it looks. We'll be making this recipe again with different veggies, whatever we have on hand.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Quiche Susan Cut by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3614562620/"><img alt="Quiche Susan Cut" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3614562620_f0751e18e9_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><br />Next up was the <a href="http://notquitejunecleaver.com/2009/06/05/friday-baking-with-notquitejunecleaver-recipes-for-june-5-june-12/"><span style="color:#ccccff;">Mixed Berry Cobbler</span></a>. In the freezer, I had a bag of Mixed berries that included blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. The bag contained 3 cups. Hmm, what to do since strawberries were not recommended and I have lots of those in the freezer, I had some rhubarb. Well, that should work. I followed the rest of the directions and well, it was pretty good.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Mixed Berry Cobbler by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3614562616/"><img alt="Mixed Berry Cobbler" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3614562616_5a6f91c6e9_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><br /><p align="left">I forgot to snap a photo of it with the ice cream on top. It was really good and the kids have enjoyed it warmed with ice cream the last few days. I did get my strawberries into the cobbler through my ice cream, I used Strawberry Supreme Frozen Yogurt by <a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=51773">Schwan's.</a> It was oh so very good!!! </p>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/friday-baking-with-notquitejunecleaver.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-2142900660214720958Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:51:00 +00002009-06-10T16:01:40.339-05:00embroideryquiltingsewingswapTea Towel and Potholder Swap<div align="left">As I talked about <a href="http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/05/sneak-peak-and-wip.html">here</a>, I participated in a Swap over at down---to---earth. The items were to be postmarked by April 26, 2009. My swap partner was on holiday and not able to get a package ready to send to me, so I was waiting to hear back from her. I posted my package to her today. We are already getting busy with summer activities and I didn't want to sit on it any longer, better she has it and is able to use it.<br /><br />Here is what I sent to her:<br /><br />2 potholders</div><p align="center"><a title="Swap Potholders by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3613750275/"><img alt="Swap Potholders" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3613750275_760509b44f_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><div align="left"><br />A dishtowel that I added the same fabrics from the potholders to:<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="DSC03260 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3506289766/"><img alt="DSC03260" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3506289766_a2caed0f34_o.jpg" width="270" height="448" /></a></p><div align="left"><br />She has chickens and I thought it only appropriate to send her an embroidered tea towel.<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="DSC03259 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3506289760/"><img alt="DSC03259" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3506289760_32fd58f0ec_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><div align="left">Okay, two tea towels, you can't have a rooster without a hen:</div><p align="center"><a title="DSC03258 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3506289750/"><img alt="DSC03258" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3506289750_cfec6bd9be_o.jpg" width="448" height="336" /></a></p><p align="left">I found the embroidery patterns at <a href="http://mytransfers.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ccccff;">Vintage Transfer Finds</span></a>. She has a lot of great embroidery patterns. </p><p align="left">We were also supposed to include a sweet or savory recipe. She chose savory, so I sent her our recipe for Sausage &amp; Pepper Pasta. </p>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-towel-and-potholder-swap.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-7010593346342196671Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-06-09T05:00:27.665-05:00cookiesin the kitchenCookie Carnival - June - Strawberry Shortcake CookiesAs soon as I saw this recipe I knew I had to make them soon. And soon I did, I made them the day I received the email with the recipe in it. This month's <a href="http://www.thecleanplateclub.net/2009/06/cookie-carnival-june-means-strawberries.html"><span style="color:#ccccff;">Cookie Carnival Recipe</span> </a>is for Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. I LOVE strawberries! But more importantly I LOVE strawberry shortcake. A recipe that turns my favorite dessert into a cookie, what's not to love.<br /><br />I made my dough in the food processor, the recipe said to use a fork or your hands to cut the butter into the flour, I make my pie crust in the food processor, why not the shortcake dough.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="shortcake cookie dough by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3596411710/"><img height="336" alt="shortcake cookie dough" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3596411710_371c0f4101_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />I pulled my berries out of the freezer (preportioned into 2 cup size bags) and defrosted added the sugar and lemon juice.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="shortcake cookie berries by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3596411702/"><img height="336" alt="shortcake cookie berries" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3596411702_1052ff5a36_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />Then I dumped my shortcake dough into a mixing bowl and added the strawberries. Mmmmm, this looked so good.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="shortcake cookie mixed by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3596411714/"><img height="336" alt="shortcake cookie mixed" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3596411714_fdaa950112_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />I had the oven set at 375 and tried to bake the first batch for the time suggested. This is what happened.<br /><div align="center"><a title="shortcake cookie what happened by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3596411720/"><img height="336" alt="shortcake cookie what happened" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3596411720_ce9c6c4400_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br /><div align="left">Oh wait, you can't really see what happened. Let's try again.<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="shortcake cookie what happened 2 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3596411724/"><img height="336" alt="shortcake cookie what happened 2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3596411724_7053d87725_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />That was after only 20 minutes, I think if I had left them for the 24 to 25 minutes they would have been completely blackened.<br /><br />Oh well, the next 2 sheets came out just fine. I was able to get 38 cookies using my small Pampered Chef scoop. The kids loved them. I liked them, didn't love them as I hoped that I would. They seemed to be missing something, I'm not sure what though. Will I make them again? Most definitely, with some adjustments.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Shortcake Cookies Strawberry by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3595607299/"><img height="336" alt="Shortcake Cookies Strawberry" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3595607299_a83d9c4532_o.jpg" width="448" /></a><br /></p><br />Here's the recipe should you decide to make them yourself.<br /><br />STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE COOKIES<br /><br />INGREDIENTS:<br />Makes about 3 dozen.<br />* 12 ounces strawberries, hulled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 cups)<br />* 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice<br />* 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar* 2 cups all-purpose flour<br />* 2 teaspoons baking powder<br />* 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt<br />* 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces<br />* 2/3 cup heavy cream<br />* Sanding sugar, for sprinkling<br /><br />DIRECTIONS:<br />1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine strawberries, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining7 tablespoons granulated sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter, or rub in with your fingers, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cream until dough starts to come together, then stir in strawberry mixture.<br /><br />2. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment, spacing evenly apart. Sprinkle with sanding sugar, and bake until golden brown, 24 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool. Cookies are best served immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">ENJOY!!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Interested in joining the Cookie Carnival, visit <a href="http://www.thecleanplateclub.net/">Kate at The Clean Plate Club</a>.</span>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/cookie-carnival-june-strawberry.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-5221250378264206355Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-06-08T05:00:22.124-05:00kidssewingLast day of schoolFirst day of school,<br /><br /><a title="Michael 1st day of school by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3595765353/"><img height="500" alt="Michael 1st day of school" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/3595765353_af8c9b853a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br />Last day of school,<br /><br /><a title="last day of school by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3596411690/"><img height="448" alt="last day of school" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3596411690_36bf939805_o.jpg" width="336" /></a><br /><br />He went to school with a gift for his teacher. A basket I made using a tutorial by <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html"><span style="color:#ccccff;">Pink Penguin</span> </a>(I of course messed up the directions, but it still turned out cute).<br /><br /><a title="fabric basket by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3595594713/"><img height="263" alt="fabric basket" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3595594713_142973bda3_o.jpg" width="361" /></a>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/last-day-of-school.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-1819247361159140204Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:05:00 +00002009-06-05T05:05:01.505-05:00in the kitchenFlower PopsGotta love cake on a stick or <a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2008/08/hope-these-put-smile-on-your-face.html"><span style="color:#ffccff;">Cake Pops</span></a> as <a href="http://www.bakerella.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ffccff;">Bakerella </span></a>likes to call them. My brother is getting married and all of his sisters had a bridal shower for him in May. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.on-tiptoes.blogspot.com"><span style="color:#ccccff;">Nancy</span> </a>and I decided that we were going to make Cake Pops as favors for our guests. The theme of the wedding is baseball realated and the bride to be loves gerbera daisies (orange ones to be exact). We were both going to make baseballs. I happened across a small daisy cookie cutter in my cookie cutter box and called Nancy and said I would make flowers. Nancy used a white cake mix and I used a chocolate cake mix. I used a M&amp;M for the middle of the flower.<br /><br />Let me just say, these are addicting.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Flower Pops by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3595581403/"><img height="336" alt="Flower Pops" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3595581403_135148959c_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br /><br />And the closeup is not very good, I was in a hurry, but you get the idea.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="flower pops 2 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3595581415/"><img height="440" alt="flower pops 2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3595581415_3a91b6685c_o.jpg" width="336" /></a></p>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/flower-pops.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-8551000763205427193Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:59:00 +00002009-06-04T17:05:10.821-05:00quiltingswapThree by Three SwapI am participating in a 9-patch block swap over at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twiddletails.blogspot.com"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">twiddletails</span></a>. I sent off my first 16 blocks at the end of May. I am just no getting around to sharing the pictures. I love to use my camera, I just don't take the time to upload the pictures to the computer, edit them, add them to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/?saved=1"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">flickr</span> </a>and then post about them. Anyway, here they are....<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Threebythree swap all by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3595581441/"><img height="228" alt="Threebythree swap all" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3595581441_53b833824a_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three by Three - May Blocks by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3596541284/"><img style="WIDTH: 475px; HEIGHT: 611px" height="920" alt="Three by Three - May Blocks" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3596541284_672dd6c0f7_o.jpg" width="920" /></a></p><br />I love how they turned out, the pictures do not show their true colors bad lighting due to a windy day outside forced me to take the pictures inside. I can't wait to see what I get in return. I am working on my second set of 16 today. Hmm, will it take me as long to post pics. Probably.<br /><br />Oh and as a side note, if you go over to <a href="http://twiddletails.blogspot.com/2009/06/just-because.html">twiddletails </a>she is having a giveaway today, Just Because!http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/three-by-three-swap.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-5993636888521648258Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:44:00 +00002009-06-01T16:07:51.865-05:00Sewing Machine Meme<a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Sew, Mama, Sew!</span></a> is hosting a Sewing Machine Month over on their blog. I thought what a great way to start off June. The month of May, escaped me. We became extremely busy towards the middle and did not stop until the end. June is shaping up to be somewhat fast paced, with what I hope to be a lot of down time. The boys and I need it. Michael is finishing up his last few days of Kindergarten, with the last day being Wednesday. Trevor finished up with his Preschool Graduation on May 8th. We have swim lessons and Vacation Bible School planned during the first 3 weeks June, all of a morning. That will give us our afternoons off, something we haven't had since August!! I have lots of sewing to catch up on and lots swirling in my mind. A list is needed, but I'm afraid to get it all out in the open, I may become overwhelmed and not start anything. <br /><br />Here's a bit about my Sewing Machine...<br /><br /><em>What brand and model do you have? </em><span style="color:#ccccff;">Singer, I don't know the model. I just know it has decorative stitching. </span><br />How long have you had it? <span style="color:#ccccff;">Since December 2004</span><br />How much does that machine cost (approximately)? <span style="color:#ccccff;">$150</span><br />What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? <span style="color:#ccccff;">quilting, handbags, home dec projects, some clothing, dolls, a little bit of everything</span><br />How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? <span style="color:#ccccff;">I don't sew often enough, it is therapy for me that does not get taken advantage of near enough. </span><br />Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? <span style="color:#ccccff;">No, it does not have a name, am I passionate about my machine, no. I like my machine in love iwth it no. </span><br />What features does your machine have that work well for you? <span style="color:#ccccff;">I like the drop in bobbin, sounds strange I know, but on my grandmas machine (which is what I was using when I received this one) I had to get under the desk to put the bobbin in, crazy and complicated. </span><br />Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? <span style="color:#ccccff;">No, the things that I could complain about are operator errors. </span><br />Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! <span style="color:#ccccff;">I was using my grandma's machine that is in a desk and not removable from the desk. You used your knee to make it work. Anyway, it would work fine one day and then the next day it would not work at all, not turn on nothing. Try again a day later and it would work. It was giving me fits. Anyway, my husband asked my mom what kind to get me, she sent him out shopping. I received my current one as a Christmas gift in December 2004. </span><br />Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? <span style="color:#ccccff;">I would recommend it for beginners. I have really taken a liking to quilting and it does give me some fits but again that could be operator issues. </span><br />What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? <span style="color:#ccccff;">Ease of use and what you are going to be using the machine for.</span><br />Do you have a dream machine? <span style="color:#ccccff;"><a href="http://www.juki.com/JusHome/sections/TL-98Q.html">Juki TL-98Q</a> </span><span style="color:#ccccff;">, </span><span style="color:#ccccff;">however, I have to save my pennies in order to work towards this beautiful machine.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Okay, that's it for the fun little. </span>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/sewing-machine-meme.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-933229327424357973Fri, 08 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-08T06:00:18.372-05:00in the kitchenkidsSome more bakingWow, I really do have a lot of photos backlogged. But I never seem to remember to take photos of the quilts and sewing that I’m working on. I WILL get better about that. Each month I try to participate in the Cookie Carnival. I participated in February, but not until March and then did not participate in March and had planned to in April but realized my photos were due at the end of April and well it’s now May.<br /><br />February was the month that we celebrate T’s birthday. He’s all about trains. I thought I would share his cake…<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC02935 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3490985791/"><img height="336" alt="DSC02935" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3490985791_96e28d92c2_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />I used an 8x8 cake pan. I cut the cake in half. For the cab of the train I cut the remaining half of the cake in fourth and placed one fourth on top of the cake. I used the other three fourths of the cake to make the car’s. Buttercream icing tinted blue and then lots of candy for the cars. The wheels are made of oreos and the connectors are made of licorice. He enjoyed it.http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/05/some-more-baking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-6761718287533195031Wed, 06 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-06T06:00:25.125-05:00kidsWordless Wednesday<p align="center"><a title="DSC02982 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3490985795/"><img height="336" alt="DSC02982" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3490985795_36ae852bd0_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC02986 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3491020973/"><img height="336" alt="DSC02986" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3491020973_e8d96b01e1_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC02988 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3491020981/"><img height="336" alt="DSC02988" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3491020981_1f99f5fbcb_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/05/wordless-wednesday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-6254709307692664023Tue, 05 May 2009 15:48:00 +00002009-05-05T20:23:58.470-05:00quiltingswapA sneak peak and a WIPI joined in a swap over at <a href="http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/">Down to Earth </a>back in February. The swap is for a hot pad and a dish towel and it was to be mailed by April 25th. I was very excited to get my partner and get to work on my items for her. My swap partner is from Australia and when we chatted a bit, I found out that her kitchen was in red, black and white. From her <a href="http://serenassecretgardens.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, I found out that she has a garden, loves flowers and raises chickens.<br /><br />My partner should be receiving her package very soon and as soon as she does, I’ll show you what I made for her. But here’s a peek of the fabrics I chose…<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC03257 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3506280988/"><img height="276" alt="DSC03257" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3506280988_111d375618_o.jpg" width="387" /></a></p>I have also recently joined in a swap over at <a href="http://twiddletails.blogspot.com/">the twiddletails blog</a>. The swap is for 9 patch blocks. We are to ship 16 in May and 16 in June. Here is a peak of mine in progress...<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC03248 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3506280948/"><img height="336" alt="DSC03248" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3506280948_f454fbe103_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p>The only thing I have left to do is to put the blocks together. I wasn't sure how the colors would work out together, but all I can say is WOW! I really like them. I found a new favorite fabric store in the process. I was looking for some fabric for a baby quilt I am working on for a neighbor, I stumbled across this little (big) shop by accident while driving to my regular shop. They carry over 6000 bolts of fabric and offer classes. Hmmm, I think I may be spending some time there! I would like to go back when I don't have any kids with me. I had Ethan with me that day and he was ready to go. I had fabrics picked out at home for the swap, but when I stumbled upon their fat quarter and 1/2 yard cabinets, I couldn't resist picking up a few new fabrics.http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/05/sneak-peak-and-wip.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-3932379684009607881Mon, 04 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-04T06:00:17.100-05:00cookie carnivalCookie Carnival - February but it's May<p align="center"><a href="http://www.thecleanplateclub.net/2008/02/join-carnival.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l312/wyndesnow/Craft%20Pictures/Baking/cookiecarnival2-754497.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="DSC02922 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3490985731/"><img height="327" alt="DSC02922" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3490985731_1cc5982ab0_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><br /><p align="left">It's been awhile since I participated in the Carnival! I had oven problems most of last year and finally broke down and bought a new oven in December. I have been baking lots since then. I did make the cookies for December in January, but didn't get to take pictures before the boys devoured them. </p><a title="DSC02931 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3490985745/"></a><br /><p align="left">The cookies this month are called CHOCOLATE FUDGE COOKIES with TOFFEE and DRIED CHERRIES by Regan Daley. Oh my, my did they ever sound delish. A quick survey of the pantry and I had all of the ingredients except for the dried cherries and toffee bits. Hmm, I added the ingredients to the shopping list. It was hard not to run out and buy the ingredients and make them right then. But I'm on a budget, trying to only shop once a week and really trying to stick the grocery list. As long as the item is on the list it's okay to buy, if it's not then it's not an okay purchase. </p><br /><p align="left">The ingredients were purchased and I was going to make these for Valentine's Day for S, but had to many other things planned for that day so these sweet treats did not get made. A trip to the auto show on Sunday derailed my baking plans for Sunday. On Monday, the kids had no school, maybe I could get them baked, but time got away from me as I was in a cleaning groove. Finally, I was able to bake these on Tuesday and let me just say they were well worth the wait. </p><br /><p align="left">I was surprised at the amount of cookies that the recipe made. The recipe said to it would make 40 large cookies by dropping the batter by heaping tablespoons onto the baking sheet. I used the small scoop by Pampered Chef and the recipe made 81 cookies. Fresh out of the oven they are soft and gooey. Cooled a bit, they have a slight crunch but a soft middle. The boys liked them, that was a relief. S isn't home to try them, but I'm sure as soon as he gets home they'll be a hit with him as well, for he loves Heath bars and cherries, although usually separate. </p><p align="center"><a title="DSC02931 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3490985745/"><img height="304" alt="DSC02931" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3490985745_0e00cb4050_o.jpg" width="336" /></a></p><br /><p align="left">Without further ado, the recipe for <a href="http://thecleanplateclub.net/uploaded_images/cookiecarnival_feb09.pdf"><span style="color:#9999ff;">CHOCOLATE FUDGE COOKIES with TOFFEE and DRIED CHERRIES by Regan Daley</span></a>.</p><br /><p align="left">INGREDIENTS<br />2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />1/2 cup unsweetened dutch-process cocoa powder<br />1 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature<br />1 cup tightly packed dark brown sugar<br />3/4 granulated sugar<br />2 large eggs<br />1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract<br />1 cup plump, moist, dried sour cherries<br />8 oz. bitter or semisweet chocolate chopped into chunks about the size of the cherries<br />1 cup English toffee pieces for baking such as Skor Bits<br /><br />INSTRUCTIONS<br />1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. line two heavy baking sheets, not non-stick, with parchment paper and set aside. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt together into a bowl and set aside. in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and both sugars until light in color and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl. beat in the vanilla. Stir in the flour-mixture in 3 additions, blending just until the dry ingredients are moistened. i find this part of the job easier with a wooden spoon, rather than a mixer, as I can see better which parts of the batter need more attention without over mixing. Stir in the chunky ingredients and mix until they seem evenly distributed. (the dough may be frozen at this point for up to 4 months: wrap the dough securely in plastic wrap, then in a plastic freezer bag. thaw the dough in the refrigerator without removing its wrapping before portioning the cookies and baking.)<br />2. Drop the batter by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets and place them in the center of the oven. If you have a large, evenly tempered oven, place the 2 sheets in at once, on two racks positioned close to the middle of the oven. Switch the position of the trays once dur&shy;ing baking. If your oven is small, or tends to have hot or cold spots, bake one tray at a time so the cookies bake evenly.<br />3. Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, or until barely set in the center and just firm around the edges. Rotate the sheets once or twice. Cool the cookies on the tray for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before storing. (Feel free to eat them at any point.) Run the hot tray under cold water to cool it, dry thoroughly and repeat with remaining dough. Store the cookies in airtight containers, layered between sheets of parchment or waxed paper for up to 5 days.</p><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="left"></p>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/05/cookie-carnival-february-but-its-may.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-5826914498527623827Fri, 01 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-01T06:00:21.396-05:00in the kitchenTaco SoupMy cousin, Nancy (you can find her<span style="color:#ff99ff;"> </span><a href="http://www.on-tiptoes.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">here</span></a>), piqued my interest about Taco Soup a few months ago. I had never had it nor heard of it and that sent me in search of a simple recipe and since I had all of the ingredients on hand I made it that night. It was good and I have made it again since then, but I have been searching for another recipe to try. A few days ago, I found it! It sounded oh so good! You can find the original recipe at <a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/04/taco-soup.html"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Little Birdie Secrets</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Taco Soup by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488616553/"><img height="336" alt="Taco Soup" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3488616553_e0d4f4ff89_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />Here it is with the changes that I made:<br /><br /><strong>Taco Soup</strong><br />1 can (16 oz) refried beans <em><span style="color:#3366ff;">(I used Fat Free)</span></em><br />1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained<br />1 can (16 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained<br />1 can (14 oz) chicken broth<br />1 1/2 cups frozen corn OR 1 can whole kernel corn <em><span style="color:#6666cc;">(I used Sweet Whole Kernel Corn No Salt Added)</span></em><br />3/4 cup salsa<br />3/4 cup cubed cooked chicken OR 1 lb. ground beef, browned <em><span style="color:#6666cc;">(I used 2 chicken breasts cubed)</span></em><br />1/2 cup water<br /><em><span style="color:#6666cc;">1 package of Taco Seasoning Mix</span></em><br />2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />Tortilla chips, optional<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#6666cc;">Coat a large saucepan with nonstick cooking spray and add the cubed chicken breasts, saute until browned.</span></em> In a large saucepan, combine first <s>8</s> <em><span style="color:#6666cc;">9</span></em> ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. <s>Add cheese</s>. <em><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span></em>If you like, crumble tortilla chips on bottom of bowl and ladle soup over chips. You can also just crush a few chips on top of the soup if you prefer. <em><span style="color:#6666cc;">Sprinkle cheese over top of the soup and serve with chips on the side. </span></em>It's also great topped with a spoonful of sour cream.<br /><br />This soup was really good. It was a thick and hearty soup. The kids loved it and asked me if we could have it for tomorrow for lunch. I highly recommend trying it (with or without the alterations)!!http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/05/taco-soup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-7244738157953914270Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:06:00 +00002009-04-30T13:37:03.817-05:00in the gardenkidsSpring has ARRIVED!!<p align="center"><a title="Sidebed dead by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488649803/"><img height="336" alt="Sidebed dead" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3488649803_83da3c5f48_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><p align="left">You can't really tell by this picture, except that E and I were working on this sidebed. Let me just say, it's pain in the spring and late summer (when it starts to look shabby). But this was the first day we went out to work on it. </p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"><a title="dafscrocs by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488649795/"><img height="336" alt="dafscrocs" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3488649795_08368612ea_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p>A little bit of work and we discovered these popping up. The hostas went from this... <p align="center"><a title="hostas early by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488662279/"><img height="336" alt="hostas early" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3488662279_fef5b11132_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><p>to looking like this in a little less than a week...</p><p align="center"><a title="hostas by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488649801/"><img height="336" alt="hostas" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3488649801_8bb156265a_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p>We call this the tulip tree, I'm not sure if that's the right name or not. <p align="center"><a title="tulip tree by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3489465198/"><img height="448" alt="tulip tree" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3489465198_4feaf7248a_o.jpg" width="336" /></a></p>and a close up of the pretty flowers... <p align="center"><a title="tulip tree2 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3489465204/"><img height="336" alt="tulip tree2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3489465204_fd11178eb7_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><p align="left">The tree by my sidewalk will have beautiful purple leaves very soon, but in the meantime, I get to see these beautiful little flowers.</p><p align="center"><a title="tree by front door by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488649807/"><img height="336" alt="tree by front door" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3488649807_5cefe753ef_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><p>Mom, why do you call this a bleeding heart, does it need a bandaid?</p><p align="center"><a title="bleeding heart by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488649791/"><img height="336" alt="bleeding heart" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3488649791_64f0dbbd7a_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><p>And you know Spring has arrived when you attend your first game of the year. </p><p></p><p align="center"><a title="Catcher Michael by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488679351/"><img height="336" alt="Catcher Michael" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3488679351_6ef52772c6_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p>Michael was catcher in I think the 2nd inning. <p align="center"><a title="Ethan baseball by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3488649799/"><img height="336" alt="Ethan baseball" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3488649799_861756ae21_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><p>Ethan insisted on playing in the rocks, sand and dirt. </p><p></p><p align="center"><a title="Trevor's game ball by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3489465196/"><img height="448" alt="Trevor's game ball" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3489465196_f56aa26e04_o.jpg" width="336" /></a></p>And Trevor, went home with his first game ball. He had his first two hit's from the pitcher without using the tee and enjoyed his first game. It is officially spring!http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/04/spring-has-arrived.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-2518239173476811418Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:46:00 +00002009-04-30T13:49:13.076-05:00in the kitchenEaster DessertsOkay, I'm a little late posting these photos. First off, my oh so handsome boys (and nephew) if I do say so myself.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC03075c by wendy_snow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35974627@N05/3438482109/"><img height="336" alt="DSC03075c" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3438482109_6dfe1f8ebd_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC03081c by wendy_snow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35974627@N05/3438487191/"><img height="336" alt="DSC03081c" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3438487191_27655f241a_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br /><br />A family photo, yes, I guess I will finally share my face.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC03102c by wendy_snow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35974627@N05/3439343474/"><img height="336" alt="DSC03102c" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3439343474_57b4a498d3_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br /><br />It is not an easy task getting the boys to sit still for pictures. Can you tell??<br /><br />Let's move onto some desserts. Easter was moved from our house due to an emergency gall bladder removal. We packed our entire meal (I had prepped everything beforehand) and drove over to my brother-in-laws house. On the menu was:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/fresh-ham-recipe/index.html">Fresh Ham</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/roasted-asparagus-wrapped-in-prosciutto-recipe/index.html">Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/brussels-sprouts-with-pancetta-recipe/index.html">Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta</a><br /><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1673167">Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes</a><br /><br />Marinated Fruit Salad<br /><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=520467">Refrigerator Yeast Rolls</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Lamb Cake<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC03109c by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3489520012/"><img height="336" alt="DSC03109c" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3489520012_8345a1df0a_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />Buttermilk Lemon Poundcake<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Buttermilk Lemon Poundcake by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3489520016/"><img height="333" alt="Buttermilk Lemon Poundcake" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3489520016_420b57107e_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake 2 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3489520018/"><img height="260" alt="Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake 2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3489520018_10275bdb1c_o.jpg" width="448" /></a></p><br />Next year I will be omitting the asparagus, I think I overcooked it. I normally cook in a gas stove and used an electric stove and well, I forgot about it. It wasn't really good, but I may try it again. The scalloped potatoes were by far the best that we have ever made. Definitely a keeper. The brussel sprouts, well, let's just say that I make the for Christmas and now for Easter and they are a hit. I make them the day before and let them sit overnight in the refrigerator and they absorb all of the wonderful flavors. All in all the meal turned out good, it could have been a disaster due to unexpected events.http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-desserts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-2591534964274823794Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:49:00 +00002009-03-03T08:27:12.326-06:00Slowing DownI should have realized this a long time ago and I would probably not have been so strung out. I couldn't figure out why when E (baby boy #3) came along, my whole world seemed to fall apart. Part of it could have been moving with 3 small boys (the youngest not even 3 months old) to a town that we were familiar with and I should have been happy. Not so much so. As the days turned into weeks, the weeks turned into months and then the months turned into years I felt my whole world was spiralling out of control. In March we will be in our current home 3 years, the longest we have been in any house since we were married 7 years ago, the longest M has been in a house in his 6 short years of life and it's all starting to click.<br /><br /><br /><br />Why? I slowed down and smelled the coffee, the flowers, the books, whatever you wish to smell. I have been looking at everyday chores, as just that a chore, the past few weeks I've started to change my way of thinking. I started to take time for myself. I don't really have one organizational website, book, person that I follow. I have adapted several into what works for me. But I do believe that anything can be done in 15 minutes. I work for two 15 minute periods in an hour on household chores or duties, then I move on and work on a craft for 15 minutes and finally I stop and read for 15 minutes. My, the things that I have accomplished in the last few weeks. I have to set a timer, if I don't, then I don't take time for me and lose track of what I was working on.<br /><br /><br /><br />I may not always get done everything on my To Do List, but I've stopped beating myself up, started my new list for the next day and if there are items that need to be completed from the day before, I don't rewrite them, I just complete the task later in the week.http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/02/slowing-down.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-4696765867455586326Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:31:00 +00002009-02-14T10:52:33.112-06:00Happy Valentine's DayValentine's Day is upon us. Our plans for the day include dropping the kids off at Parent's Night Out and then heading home for a nice dinner. I chose a simple menu from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myrecipes.com">MyRecipes</a>. It's called Charm Him on the Cheap, it includes:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=671401">Cherry Tomato Toasts</a><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1707673">Skirt Steak with Lemon and Chili Roasted Potatoes</a><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=524250">Broccoli with Lemon Crumbs</a><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=701082">Chocolate Sorbet</a><br />and maybe some brownies, I haven't decided on those yet.<br /><br />And this is a little Valentine's Fun.<br /><p align="center"><a title="mosaic5375290 by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3279213198/"><img height="376" alt="mosaic5375290" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3279213198_5c587566c5.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p align="left"></p>1. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/janusjwilde/2266199388/">Flowers for my Wife on Valentine's Day</a>, 2. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deesignphotography/65925203/">bleeding tree</a>, 3. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visbeek/2828364707/">The arrival of a rainstorm</a>, 4. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/algo/148280826/">dawn passion</a>, 5. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/good_day/450356635/">Love and affection</a>, 6. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_hardy/3006223578/">Romance Isn't Dead</a>, 7. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brendaleann/314065848/">A little piece of Heaven......</a>, 8. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xnuzha/448185520/">The Gates</a>, 9. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lichtmaedel/402240284/">in the mood for spring</a>, 10. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/designldg/2499117253/">The Abode of God at Dusk</a>, 11. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visbeek/1196663378/">At 3000m just a bit closer to God?</a>, 12. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hotcherry/534365742/">CROP CIRCLE MAKER - Matthew Williams</a><br /><br />I chose words related to LOVE and put into flickr and then chose the pictures that I liked. <br /><br />1. Valentine's Day<br />2. February 14<br />3. I Love You<br />4. Passion<br />5. Affection<br />6. Amour<br />7. Cherish<br />8. Respect<br />9. Lust<br />10. Devotion<br />11. Worship<br />12. Faith<br /><br />I hope you enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!!!http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-valentines-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-7516880224994455001Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +00002009-02-03T07:00:01.362-06:00The girls' quilts<p align="left">I just love how this quilt turned out. The first few pictures are of Lydia's quilt. I just love it. The pictures don't really show the true colors or how it looked after it was washed. </p><p align="center"><a title="Lydia Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3230683827/"><img height="500" alt="Lydia Ragged Squares Quilt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3230683827_e48806fec3.jpg" width="375" /></a></p><p align="left">A little closer view.</p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a title="Lydia Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3230685773/"><img height="375" alt="Lydia Ragged Squares Quilt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3230685773_2983a34a7c.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p><br />The back is made from flannel, this one is butterflies. </p><p></p><p align="center"><a title="Lydia Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3230687877/"><img height="375" alt="Lydia Ragged Squares Quilt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3230687877_ffddc65627.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p>And lastly, here is her patch. I used bleached muslin and traced a picture and wrote on it with permanent marker. It says, "Handmade for Lydia with Love by Aunt Wendy Christmas 2008". </p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Lydia Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3231540314/"><img height="500" alt="Lydia Ragged Squares Quilt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3231540314_be261f50d5.jpg" width="375" /></a></p><p>And now, for Grace's. It's the same pattern as Lydia's and actually the same colors, but the colors were mixed differently. And her backing is flannel as well, just a different print. </p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3230675801/"><img height="375" alt="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/3230675801_8597f4a7fb.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3231528402/"><img height="375" alt="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/3231528402_4d06962120.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3230680111/"><img height="375" alt="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3230680111_8fe58853fa.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><a title="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3231532268/"></a><p align="center"><a title="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt by wyndesnow, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3231532268/"><img height="375" alt="Grace Ragged Squares Quilt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/3231532268_1ee0111135.jpg" width="500" /></a></p>You can learn how to make this Ragged Squares Quilt over <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-make-ragged-squares-quilt.html">here</a>.http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/02/girls-quilts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-8820679631300802326Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +00002009-02-02T07:00:00.441-06:00menu planningMenu Plan Monday - February 2nd<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.orgjunkie.com"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296046688825488866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 101px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vjrm-yhwZYQ/SX9WZ2FTteI/AAAAAAAAAGM/8CSYW48q2ow/s200/mpm3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's that time of week again. I'm happy to say that all of my menu planning seems to be paying off. We have been eating healthier meals, saving some money and getting to try new recipes. The boys are really enjoying getting to pick a new cookie for each week to take to work with us. And breakfast and lunch have become much easier as well. Although, most items are the same that we would normally have for breakfast at least I'm not running around in the morning trying to decide what they are going to have. I look at my calendar the night before and tell them before they go to bed what they will be having for breakfast the next morning. </div><div></div><div>Anyway, here is the list of meals we are having this week!</div><div></div><div>Monday - Chicken Fingers with Honey mustard and salad</div><div>Tuesday - Tex Mex Pepper Steak with Rice and tortillas</div><div>Wednesday - Spicy black bean stew with Rice and salad</div><div>Thursday - Sage &amp; Balsamic pork chops with pumpkin polenta</div><div>Friday - Boosotto with salad</div><div>Saturday - Dinner out (perhaps pizza)</div><div>Sunday - Mexican pasta with Tomatilla sauce, bread and salad. </div><div></div><div>If you'd like to learn more about Menu Plan Mondays, visit Orgjunkie.com. To see a list of this weeks meals visit here. </div>http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/02/menu-plan-monday-february-2nd.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-844446651398906140Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +00002009-01-30T07:00:00.882-06:00quilt-a-longquiltingsewingQuilt Along Block #6<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3231548166/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/3231548166_ddeaf1be3b_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3231548166/">Quilt Along Block #6</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/23673960@N06/">wyndesnow</a></span></div>Are you tired of seeing these blocks yet? I thought since, I hadn't been posting that instead of posting them all into one post. I'd have a list of posts lined up.<br /><br />Another one that I just love. Now for the problem that I ran into. I thought that I had enough of the background fabric for at least all of my blocks. But I don't, here's the next problem, I bought it 2 years ago during Christmas time and have searched for it. What to do?<br /><br />I decided that I would only make 9 of the blocks instead of 12. And I will be using a different fabric to make the sashings. Problem solved.<br /><br />This is <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2007/12/quilt-long-week-6.html">block #6</a>.<br clear="all">http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/01/quilt-along-block-6.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117788440549276917.post-5859357037554943977Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +00002009-01-29T07:00:00.929-06:00quilt-a-longquiltingsewingQuilt Along Block # 10<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3231550228/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/3231550228_d192e8e6d9_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23673960@N06/3231550228/">Quilt Along Block # 10</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/23673960@N06/">wyndesnow</a></span></div>and yet another picture from the Quilt-a-Long. I really like how this block turned out. It's not my favorite block from this quilt but it comes pretty close.<br /><br />This is block #10.<br clear="all">http://simplesnowstitches.blogspot.com/2009/01/quilt-along-block-10.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (wyndesnow)1